Replies

1. 
   SgianDubh | May 01, 2009 04:25pm | #1

   One way might be a coopered column. Cut staves with the appropriate angle on each edge and glue it all together with masking tape or other gummed tape that is suitable,  or possibly webbing clamps. Round off the circumference with planes, scrapers and sandaper. With enough staves the final shaping should be quite a small task.

   This suggestion may, of course, not suit the look you have in mind. If it doesn't it would help if you supply more information. Slainte.

   richardjonesfurniture.com

1. 
   kentbb | May 01, 2009 04:48pm | #2

   Thank you for your quick response.  I suspect your solution is the best.  I had considered that solution but have never done that before so wasn't sure how it would turn out.

1. 
   Jimurock | May 01, 2009 11:27pm | #3

   Don't forget that chatoyance is quite noticeable in maple.  You won't get uniform colour from using staves, rather a striped effect that will change as you walk past the table and see it from different angles.  I quite like the effect, but some find it distracting.

   Jim

1. 
   kentbb | May 04, 2009 01:45am | #6

   Thanks for the input. I will do the coopering. I have not done it before but will be good experience. I am not locked into maple other than I am looking for a wood that would be light. Any thoughts?

1. 
   Jimurock | May 04, 2009 08:14pm | #7

   Chatoyance occurs in most of the woods I use a lot-- maple, cherry, walnut etc.  How much it shows depends a lot on the finish you use.  A clear finish like shellac enhances the effect, as does oil or a transparent dye.  In many situations it's a desirable feature, but not usually on say the skirt of a drum table made of a series of boards, where a continuous veneer would look better.  I'm not sure from your description how visible your base is going to be -- if not too visible I wouldn't worry too much about it.   I have seen imported kitchen furniture with coopered pedestals that have a pale finish and no C at all.  They're made from rubberwood, with which I have no experience, but I wouldn't be surprised if their appearance is due to the finish used.  If you get a response from Richard Jones pay more attention to him than to me -- he's a real expert on wood.

   Jim

2. 
   kentbb | May 04, 2009 09:11pm | #8

   Thanks again for the input.

2. 
   dustymctevish | May 03, 2009 05:26pm | #4

   Coopering is in my opinion the way to go.  There are a couple of other ways to shape the column, by wood lathe, Legacy Mill, or by router on a make shift lathe.  And if you don’t like the way the grain looks then it’s easy enough to veneer the column.

    

1. 
   kentbb | May 04, 2009 01:44am | #5

   Thanks for the input. I will do the coopering. I have not done it before but will be good experience. I am not locked into maple other than I am looking for a wood that would be light. Any thoughts?